NZ vs PAK 2nd Test: Babar-less Pakistan gear up for battle with Black Caps in Christchurch

NZ vs PAK 2nd Test Preview: After a thrilling last-hour win for New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, Kane Williamson-led side is heading into the second and final Test against Pakistan (NZ vs PAK) at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on January 3. The much-anticipated match is set to commence at 3:30 AM IST. Check out the New Zealand vs Pakistan Dream11 team prediction and preview, including the pitch report, playing 11, injury updates, and Dream11 team as given below.

New Zealand set to aim for the No. 1 spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The simple equation for the Kiwis would mark at least a draw in Christchurch to become the top-ranked Test side.

This has been a disappointing tour for the tourists with a single win. However, the hosts will be without their key man Neil Wagner. The left-arm pacer was ruled out with a fractured toe that he got through the first Test against Pakistan. If New Zealand win/draw the final Test vs Pakistan, it will be their eighth straight home series win on the trot. The Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson will start the year as the ICC World's No. 1 Test batsman.

Working inside today with rain around in Christchurch! Forecast looking better for day one tomorrow at Hagley Oval ☀️ #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/YZ2VKZoSAm

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 2, 2021

On the other hand, the visitors will be without the services of their key man Babar Azam again, who is back to training but hasn't regained his full fitness yet ahead of the second Test. Babar has a "full-fledged" training session but felt pain in the fractured thumb, prompting the Pakistan team management to make that call. Mohammad Rizwan will take charge against the Black Caps at the Hagley Oval.

NZ vs PAK 2nd Test Pitch report and conditions

The pitch will have a little bit spongy and it will assist the seamers early on day one and day two. From the third day, the pitch will be flat and batsmen can enjoy the even bounce on the wicket. Batting first will be the key for both sides to set a par total in their first innings.

The weather will be partly sunny for most of the duration of the match. It will remain fairly cloudy for the third day and rains aren't expected on any of the five days in Christchurch.

NZ vs PAK My Dream11 Team

Batsmen - Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Henry Nicholls, Azhar Ali

Wicket-keeper - Mohammad Rizwan (VC)

All-rounders - Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam

Bowlers - Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Shaheen Afridi

Also Read: Pakistan Tour of New Zealand: Full schedule for T20 and Tests

NZ vs PAK Probable Playing XI's

New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Faheem Ashraf, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah

New Zealand vs Pakistan Full Test Squads

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham (wk), BJ Watling, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (C/wk), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Imran Butt, Haris Sohail, Shan Masood, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohd Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah

NZ vs PAK Dream11 Match Prediction

In their home conditions, New Zealand will start as the hot favorites once again. They have experienced batsmen who can play the seaming conditions better. The bowlers like Jamieson, Southee, and Boult has been threatening in these seaming conditions. Pakistan though, showed in the last Test that they have enough abilities to win here in Christchurch.